Page 68 - SEN115 - November/December 2021

Literacy
Make reading a habit for
children with SEN
Hannah Rix provides valuable advice and guidance.
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SEN is an emotive subject for teachers and parents. The ways in which children with SEN learn and engage cannot be compared.
Teaching children with a range of complex needs has demonstrated that one there’s no continuity or consistency with how children learn. Each day can be a whole new teaching and learning experience. Individualised curriculums and differentiation have to be taken to a whole new level and rightly so as each child’s learning style is wonderfully unique.
How do children with SEND learn?
The Education Policy Institute (EPI) conducted a study that shows access to support for these pupils is a ‘postcode lottery’. The level of support they receive is entirely down to the school the child attends.
With over a million children registered as having special educational needs in England, this is not good enough. But empowering teachers and parents with tools and skills to enable better support in the classroom and at home is a step in the right direction.
There’s no simple answer to this question but in my experience children with an SEN often will let you know very quickly what’s working and what isn’t. I’ve found it helpful to have a ‘bag of tricks’ approach when introducing a new book or task with a student. When one activity is sinking, swap it out for another.
A multi-sensory approach to learning can be effective for all students but especially those with SEN. These students process information in a different way cognitively as well as physically in some cases.
Start by asking yourself (or the student if it’s appropriate):
• What type of learner is your child (visual, auditory, verbal, kinaesthetic)?
• Do they enjoy responsibility and independence with work?
• What are their hobbies or interests?
• What are they sensitive to (e.g. loud noises, stuffed animals)?
• Do they learn best with ‘hands-on’ activities?
• Who do they work well with?
• What type of environment are they most comfortable with (e.g. desk, beanbag, outside)?
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